Leading with Purpose: Kento’s Story
Alumni Spotlight: Kento Inoko
Graduated HTIC: 2022
Originally from: Tokyo, Japan
Transferred to: Temple University (Japan)
Currently: Based in Tokyo and working full-time in an international business role after completing his degree.
When Kento arrived in Hawai‘i from Japan to begin his studies at Hawaii Tokai International College (HTIC) in 2019, he didn’t imagine he’d one day be organizing campus events, managing multiple student clubs, and serving as student government president. But over time, his experience at HTIC became defined not just by academics, but by the personal growth he achieved through leadership.
Kento started his studies from CP5, which was challenging at first—he was placed with older students and had to adjust quickly to a fully English-speaking environment. The transition pushed him out of his comfort zone, but it also motivated him to improve. Surrounded by a diverse, supportive community, he began to find his voice and step into leadership roles.
His involvement began when his supervisor, David, encouraged him to run. From there, he took on a range of responsibilities, leading the student government, managing the school newspaper club, and starting a boxing club, all while balancing classes and campus life. He was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), HTIC’s honor society. From Seotember 2021 to September 2022, he actively contributed to all three organizations. One of his proudest moments came during his final semester, when he successfully organized the school prom. The event was a highlight not just for him, but for the entire student community, and a clear marker of how far he had come as a leader.
Kento credits his supervisor, David Aller, with playing a key role in his development. Though firm with expectations, David offered consistent guidance that helped Kento build leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of ownership. He also found mentorship in Professor Shintaro, who remains a trusted figure in his life today.
After graduating from HTIC, Kento transferred to Temple University, where he majored in international business. He balanced part-time jobs with academics and gradually built professional experience through an internship that eventually led to full-time work. Today, he continues working at that company, applying the English and leadership skills he developed at HTIC in an international business setting.
Looking back, Kento sees his time in student government and other leadership roles as central to his experience at HTIC. It taught him how to communicate across cultures, take initiative, and stay adaptable, skills that continue to shape his career.
Kento is married with Dani who is also a HTIC alumna! They met when they are students at HTIC and got married in Tokyo!
Q&A with Kento
Why did you choose HTIC?
I wanted to improve my English in a truly immersive environment. HTIC offered an American-style education with small class sizes, and I liked the idea of starting college in Hawaii.
What was it like jumping straight into CP5?
It was definitely challenging, especially being placed with older students, but it pushed me to take studying seriously. That experience set the tone for how I approached college from the beginning.
What did you gain from leadership roles on campus?
A lot of confidence. Leading student government and clubs taught me how to communicate, coordinate events, and work across cultures. Organizing prom in my last semester was a big accomplishment for me.
How did your experience living with host families influence your time at HTIC?
Living with a host family had a big impact on my time at HTIC. I was far from my own family, but staying with my host family helped me improve my English skills and feel more connected to the local community. More than that, I built a bond with them that still continues today — it feels like I now have a second family in Hawaii that I can always visit in the future.
How did your time at HTIC prepare you for your current job?
The English-speaking environment at HTIC gave me a strong foundation in communication. It’s helped me a lot, especially now that I work in a company where English is the main language.
Any advice for current or future HTIC students?
Don’t hesitate to get involved. Volunteer, join clubs, try leadership roles. HTIC gives you opportunities, it’s up to you to take them!
